On February 6, 2011 Cowboy Stadium, in Arlington, TX, will host Super Bowl XLV. The brand new stadium (opened in 2009) is the most innovative venue to host the big game. That is not the only reason Dallas was picked.

The location of the Super Bowl is chosen by the NFL well in advance, usually three to five years before the game. Cities place bids to host a Super Bowl and are evaluated in terms of stadium renovation and their ability to host.

The NFL owners then meet to make a selection on the site.

The Host Committee in Dallas is made up of a group of senior volunteers. Each city has a host committee that creates their bid to send to the NFL.

Tony Fay, the Vice President of Communications for the Host Committee, said “teams submit bids to the NFL. These are very comprehensive bids that look at a number of factors including stadium size hotel room accommodations.”

“The committee is a stand-alone organization,” said Fay. “We planned the bids and prepare Cowboy Stadium for the event. We are working off a $40 million budget, which covers all of the preparation fees.”

Bids were submitted in 2007 for the upcoming Super Bowl. Once the NFL chooses the host city, that city needs time to come up with finances and resources to host the big event.

This is the interior of Wembley Stadium in Great Britain.

On October 16, 2007, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell suggested that a Super Bowl might be played in London, probably at Wembley Stadium.

The game has never been played in a region which lacks an NFL franchise.

A host city reaps many benefits while hosting the Super Bowl. For example, more revenue will come into the city and the city will gain media exposure.